Ramirez: Finding things we can agree on

I believe with all my heart I'm "right." And you believe just as deeply that you're "right."

You know…I'm okay with that. I've won't debate you, or argue, or try to convince you. It just riles me up when somebody wants to change my beliefs – or worse, ridicule them. Same for you?

You're my friend. I respect you and I value your friendship.

I'd like to find those bright spots where our perspectives align. Especially on controversial subjects. Like climate change. Where our beliefs intersect, our relationship is strengthened.

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We both agree that the more people with jobs, the better. Jobs are the silver bullet, breaking the cycle of poverty. Reducing the burden of welfare. Restoring pride and dignity of our citizens crushed by recession. We're both thrilled when companies start up, grow, and thrive.

It's good to know which industries are growing – that's where the jobs are. In the US, jobs in the solar industry grew 12 times faster than overall job growth in 2015 (Bloomberg).

We agree that more gets done in Washington with support from both sides of the aisle. And we feel better about our government when we see it happen. Membership in one bipartisan caucus of US Representatives grows like Noah's Ark – two by two, one Republican and one Democrat. Their focus? Climate Solutions. No kidding. It was started by two representatives from Florida who have a front-row seat to rising sea levels.

We also agree that our home, the Earth, is blessed with abundant resources for producing energy. Besides fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal, there are also renewable sources like sunlight, wind, and water. Plentiful lithium is a key component of batteries. Faith and science both offer guidance about stewardship and conservation. We're both grateful for that abundance and take care to use those resources responsibly.

More than anything, we also love our children and grandchildren. There isn't much we wouldn't do for them. When they're threatened, our protective instincts kick in. We want their world to be glorious.

Whether liberal or conservative, Christian or agnostic, we agree about jobs, a productive Congress, gratitude for our resources, and wanting the best for our grandchildren.

I like knowing that these things matter to both of us. Thanks for being my friend.